Hundred of diners have been evacuated from Manchester ‘s Corn Exchange after a fire alarm was set off.

Around 200 people enjoying meals at the revamped city centre venue were evacuated after an alarm rang for a second time at 5pm.

The fire service rushed to the scene but it’s understood that no fire was found and they are now making the building safe.

But the alert has meant that scores of people halfway through meals had to leave their dishes and exit the historic Grade II listed building.

Francesca Barker,28, was having a Christmas meal with friends at Mexican Wahaca when the alarm first rang.

She said: “The alarm went off one time and everyone just ignored it and carried on. But then it went off again about five minutes later and everyone was told to leave.

“I was literally halfway through my meal and just had to leave it sitting on the table which was weird – but all the staff and management at Wahaca were brilliant and kept us well informed about what was happening.

“Now we have been told that the fire service are now making checks before we can get back in. They said it would take around 20 minutes.

“But it’s Christmas time and everyone is in good spirits so I think most are heading to the markets for a drink before we can get back in.”

The fire service have not yet responded to a request for a comment about the incident.